Tobacco and e-cigarettes will soon be banned from many Kentucky state properties under the executive cabinet. The new policy announced by Governor Beshear Thursday covers state buildings, vehicles and other designated locations.
The announcement adds onto previous legislation aimed solely at cigarettes. Beshear said his executive order aims to combat Kentucky’s number one ranking in cancer and smoking deaths.
“You know, this year is the 50th anniversary of the first U.S. Surgeon General’s report alerting Americans to the deadly consequences of smoking. That’s five decades. Five decades of warnings," Beshear said.
"But warnings by themselves, as we know, are not enough.”
The policy will affect some 33,000 state workers and another 3,000 offices across the commonwealth.
There are a handful of exceptions such as State Parks, Fairgrounds and certain residential health facilities.
Beshear said he hopes to see others join the fight against tobacco use.
“For the health and well-being of all Kentuckians, I encourage all businesses and educational institutions, public and private, as well as any other state and local governmental facilities to follow this example.”
The ban takes effect November 20 as part of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout movement.
